HON. DR. RUTH NANKABIRWA SSENTAMU FLAGS OFF A 370 BILLION KAMPALA METROPOLITAN TRANSMISSION SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT PROJECT ON 24TH SEPTEMBER 2024.
The Minister of Energy and Mineral Development Hon. Canon Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu has officially flagged of construction of the Kampala Metropolitan Transmission System Improvement Project at Bulooba, in Mpigi District.
“Currently, the rapid demand growth in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA) has had a toll on the equipment and assets of the already existing substations and transmission lines in GKMA. There is therefore uncertainty that there will be overloading in the near future. This is because of the load of all substations in GKMA has almost reached its maximum capacity causing some incidents of power unreliability” Said Kwame Ejalu- UETCL board Chairman.
The existing 132kV ring system is expected to lack enough capacity for transmission of the power required within the medium term (10 to 15 years) according to the sharp growth of the power demand both domestically and industrially. According to the Grid Development Plan, the development of the GKMA transmission network has put as a high priority.
The project is being constructed by EPC, The Joint Venture of Yachiyo Engineering Company Ltd and Tokyo Electric Power Services Company Ltd with funding from JICA and the Government of Uganda is expected to have major components that will include new Sub stations in Mukono, Buloba Substation in Bulooba aimed at reinforcing power supply in the areas of Mutundwe-Buloba, Bulaba-Kabulasoke and surrounding areas.
It will also cause upgrading of Mutundwe Substation. This will serve the areas of Mutundwe-Buloba, Mutundwe-Kawaala and their environs, the upgrade of Kawaala Substation targeting the areas of Kawaala- Mutudwe, -Kampala North and Bujagali Substation.
The project will also have a component of reconductoring of the currently existing 132 kV lines around the Greater Kampala Metropolitan area.
“This Greater Kampala Metropolitan Project will be a game changer in the transmission of Reliable Quality Bulk power to the central Business district of Kampala and its environs” Said Joshua Karamagi; CFA the UETCL CEO.
UETCL as the implementing government company is committed to being the backbone of Uganda’s development. With the continued support of the Government of Uganda and development partners, the company will make great strides towards fulfilling the goals of Vision 2040 and National Development Plan III.
UETCL is responsible for the bulk purchase of electricity from power generators and the bulk sale of electricity to power distributors through high-voltage transmission lines. The company operates the High Voltage Transmission Grid (HVTG) above 33kV including the load dispatch system at the National Control Centre at Lugogo.